Breast Cyst Aspiration

 

Your Physician has requested that you undergo aspiration of a breast cyst.  Breast cysts are initially seen as rounded densities on mammogram.  Cysts cannot accurately be diagnosed by mammography, as they cannot be distinguished from other well-defined masses.  When a new or larger well-defined mass is seen mammographically, an ultrasound study is recommended to establish whether a mass is cystic or solid in nature.  In some instances, ultrasound imaging is still unable to clearly show whether the mass is fluid filled or solid and a breast cyst aspiration is ordered.  If fluid is removed from the mass and it disappears then it is considered a cyst.

Breast cysts are found in women of all ages and may be solitary (one) or multiple.  Breast cysts are not uncommon and 20 to 50 percent of women have breast cysts.

There is no formal preparation prior to the procedure.  You may eat and take your medicines before coming to the office.  If your previous breast imaging (mammogram/ultrasound) was performed at a location other than Diagnostic Radiology Associates or Waterbury Hospital, please be sure to bring the films with you.

A breast cyst aspiration is performed using ultrasound imaging to guide a fine needle into the cyst(s).  Prior to insertion of the needle, the area will be checked with ultrasound to confirm the location of the cyst.  The skin over the cyst will be cleaned and local anesthesia will be used to make the procedure more comfortable.  The samples collected will then be sent to a laboratory to be analyzed by a pathologist.  The entire procedure should take an hour.  There are no restrictions after the procedure.  Your ordering physician will receive the results in two to three business days and will discuss the results with you.  If you do not here from your physician within 5 business days, please contact his or her office.

If you have questions or concerns prior to, or after the procedure, please contact Diagnostic Radiology Associates.